(From left to right) Rono, Josh Brar, Sahana Naresh. Photos: Taab (Rono), Courtesy of the artist (Brar, Naresh)
This week, we dive into the must-hear new music releases, from Josh Brar’s genre-switching single and singer-songwriter Rono’s grief-informed second album, to Sahana Naresh’s warm, nostalgic turn into psychedelic pop, singer-songwriter Jeanne Merchant’s R&B take on a failing relationship, and many more.
Rono – Adhoore Se Khwaab
With his second album, Mumbai singer-songwriter Rono aka Ronit Sarkar gets deeply personal. Rono’s roots as a photographer spill over, giving the 11-track Adhoore Se Khwaab a film snapshot-like quality. It’s an album that largely grapples with the grief and acceptance of the loss of his father, acclaimed filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar. Collaborators range from stalwart singer-lyricist Swanand Kirkire on the intimate “Mehfooz” to singer-songwriter Dear Kokum on “Vaapas Toh Aao Kabhi” and multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Aarifah on “Thodi Si.” “This is for anyone who has tried their hardest to keep love alive while having to make hard choices, and felt the helplessness and despair of having those choices taken away,” Rono said in a statement. “I hope this album helps people feel a little less lonely in their grief.”
Tannerwell, Ash King – “Slowly Slowly”
Indian-origin British singer Ash King brings his signature charm to his new track “Slowly Slowly,” flirting with buoyant beats produced by Tannerwell, with composer-lyricist Ambresh Shroff. It’s a simple song that allows Ash King to expand his repertoire beyond Bollywood hits, taking a flight of fancy with a blossoming romance. The collaborators say in the description, “With its relatable themes and catchy rhythms, ‘Slowly Slowly’ resonates with anyone who has ever felt the spark of romance, making it the perfect anthem to celebrate the magic of love.”
Sahana Naresh – “Chasin Light”
Songs about self-discovery never feel out of place, and thankfully, Bengaluru-based singer-songwriter Sahana Naresh aces the assignment on “Chasin Light.” Part of the allure of the indie-pop song is its swirling production by Keshav Purushotham and Niklas Schneider, but then there’s Naresh’s existential dread. “In the night time I’m passing by/There’s a tunnel in the back of my mind/To a long-forgotten time,” she sings on the opening lines. Naresh says about the song, “‘Chasin Light’ is a melodic meditation on modern-day drifting—the kind that pairs beautifully with moody sunsets, rainy car rides, or those late-night conversations with your most introspective friend, even if that friend is just your own overthinking brain.”
Josh Brar – “Heart & Pain”
Punjabi star Josh Brar turns to euphoric, funky pop on his latest track “Heart & Pain,” released via T-Series. There’s a sense of familiarity in the grooves, as Brar teams up with artists like Agaazz and Bunty Bains, delivering steely guitar solos as well as a refreshing switch to Punjabi folk that feels straight out of a jagran. Brar, who wrote the song in 2023, says, “It feels like my own heartbeat turned into sound. I tried bending and blending two very different genres in this one, pushing myself creatively to express something honest and raw. I hope it connects with you the way it did with me while creating it.”
The Tapi Project – “Aa Gaye”
Known for conjuring dream-like soundscapes, it’s no surprise that even a quiet song like “Aa Gaye” by The Tapi Project feels like slipping into a reverie. That’s all thanks to vocalist Swati Minaxi’s range and guitarist Yogendra Saniyawala’s nimble guitar work. The band says in a statement, “‘Aa Gaye’ is a song that heralds the arrival of the ‘new’—beckoning listeners to celebrate anything that they’d like to remember and cherish, bringing us into a state of absolute love.”
Qaran, Vilen – “Parchaiyan”
Pop artist, producer, and composer Qaran crafts a seemingly drill-style beat that focuses on pain and turmoil. And when you have themes like that, it’s a no-brainer that Qaran tapped pop artist Vilen (known for his heartbreak songs) to lead “Parchaiyan.” In under three minutes, the duo offers a hook and a story. “When envisioning ‘Parchaiyan,’ I needed a voice that could capture raw emotion and depth,” Qaran explains. “Vilen’s music felt like the perfect fit. I saw this as a chance to reveal an untapped side of his artistry.”
Anika Bharwani – “Sex Is Overrated”
Goa-based singer-songwriter Anika Bharwani uses dry humor in her gentle new song “Sex Is Overrated” to give it a sense of intimacy, relatability, and levity. Produced by fellow singer-songwriter Tejas Menon, the track is part of her upcoming debut album due in July. Bharwani drops a few gems right from the get-go: “There is something very naked about letting you into my brain/Compared to my bedroom,” she sings. She adds in a statement, “As a kid, I often felt invisible—like I was there, but no one really noticed. I think that’s why I crave depth now. Love, to me, is someone asking who you are, and actually waiting for the answer. That’s why I write—it’s the first time I’ve ever felt seen.”
Nichesluck – “Piya Mora”
Originally part of her debut EP Of Many from 2019, Mumbai singer-songwriter Nichesluck gives her track “Piya Mora” a new spin, stepping in as the director for its music video. The wavy electronic song unlocks a trip-hop dimension to the previously fusion-based track, with the video showcasing a different side of loss. Nichesluck calls the project a “deeply personal tribute created in memory of my father.” The artist adds, “The song was born from my own grief and my attempt to understand my mother’s experience of losing her partner. And now, after years of holding it close, I’m finally sharing it—with music, visuals, and all the love and effort that went into bringing it to life.”
Jeanne Merchant – “Tell Me”
Singer-songwriter Jeanne Merchant is often known as a vocal coach, but she’s been steadily making a return to her pop artist avatar. Teaming with producer Anshuman Sharma, there’s an emotive R&B (which she describes as her favorite genre) on her new song “Tell Me,” released via Merchant Records. The artist calls it a song “that delves into the familiar theme of a relationship that has taken a wrong turn.”
Shaan Kambli – “South”
Singer-songwriter Shaan Kambli’s latest song comes via the platform Nexa Music, with “South” harkening back to the playful early 2000s pop of Enrique Iglesias and Justin Timberlake. Nostalgia is in, so it makes sense that Kambli gives his confessional lyrics more of an accessible, breezy spin. He says about the song, “Once the chorus line came to me, I immediately felt like I was on a couch in a therapist’s office, throwing a big fuss and really testing her patience. I [hope] I never forget how to daydream.”